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Stamp Duty

Stamp Duty is a state government tax and one of your biggest costs when buying a home or investment property. It’s a one-off cost based on the purchase price of the property and generally paid prior to settlement.

First home buyers may be exempt from Stamp Duty or entitled to a rebate or concession such as the First Home Owner Grant.

You can increase your home loan to cover the costs of Stamp Duty and we will release the funds when you need them (conditions apply). If you are a property investor, you are unable to claim Stamp Duty as an expense and it is included in the cost of the property when calculating capital gains.

You can use our Stamp Duty calculator to help you estimate the total costs of buying a property, based on the purchase price and loan amount you plan to borrow.

In addition to Stamp Duty, there are a number of fees and charges you should factor into your budget when buying a home or investment property.

Registration fees: these are paid to the Land Titles Office in your state or territory when you submit any documentation relating to your property. Your solicitor or conveyancer can help you determine what these costs are and when they are due. The land registry in your state or territory can provide you with more information:

GST: this tax may apply to the inspection and valuation of new properties, as well as it’s not payable on bank charges and fees or when you buy an established property

Capital Gains Tax: this charge generally applies when you sell an investment property. The amount depends on whether you have lived in the property at any point and the length of time you’ve owned it. For more information, talk to your accountant or tax advisor